NFI acquires Transfix brokerage, but company’s TMS will live on

NFI on Wednesday announced its acquisition of Transfix’s digital freight brokerage operation, thereby freeing Transfix up to focus solely on becoming a provider of transportation management system (TMS) software.

For NFI, the move adds more than 15,000 carriers to its network, and had been some time in the works. 

“NFI’s acquisition of the assets of Transfix’s brokerage division and the simultaneous shift of Transfix’s core business signaled new opportunities for both companies,” an NFI spokesperson said. “Transfix was looking to create a differentiated TMS in the market that brokers like NFI can leverage. At the same time, NFI was able to acquire a shipper base to leverage its best-in-class service model that helps automate freight.”

While sometimes a broker changing hands can mean carriers caught under a load might go unpaid, the NFI spokesperson said that wouldn’t be the case now. 

“We have been in touch with the carriers under a Transfix load” they said, noting the carriers “will experience a seamless transition since NFI is utilizing the Transfix TMS solution.”

Camden, New Jersey-based NFI owns and operates more than 70 million square feet of warehouse space alongside a dedicated fleet of 4,900 tractors and 13,700 trailers.

Established in 2013, Transfix was among the first tech-powered brokerages, but the divesture allows the company to pivot its core business to solely focus on software and data products.

Now, NFI will become the first third-party customer to use Transfix’s TMS — the Transfix Intelligent Freight Platform. Transfix will now entirely focus on taking its technology to market as a software-as-a-service (SaaS) and data-solutions provider.

“By combining the Transfix TMS with our internally developed software, we feel we can add automation and visibility to both shippers and carriers in a deeper way,” the NFI spokesperson continued. 

“We believe the Transfix TMS will be a game changer for us,” said David Broering, president of integrated logistics solutions at NFI. “This acquisition and ongoing partnership is a great opportunity to accelerate our digital approach while combining our operational strength with their technical expertise to create more value for our customers and carriers.”

Jonathan Salama, Transfix co-founder and CEO, noted NFI was “the perfect cultural and operational fit for our customers, carriers, and team.”

“As someone who grew up in the brokerage business, I am thrilled about the next chapter at Transfix,” added Drew McElroy, co-founder and chairman of the board at Transfix. “Opening up our decade of technological advancements to brokers industry-wide is set to create substantial value for brokers everywhere. I am also deeply appreciative of NFI’s commitment to advancing the industry by incorporating our technology and for welcoming many of our talented teammates.”